entrance question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entrance question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question posed at the beginning of a discussion, interview, or survey to gauge interest or understanding. Example: "To kick off the meeting, I would like to start with an entrance question: What motivated you to join this project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the excitement I see in my students' eyes as they line up outside my classroom door every morning wondering what "entrance question" I will ask them is my personal proof that they "get it".

Huffington Post

The entrance question to the section on palliative and end-of-life care asked whether the respondent had experienced the death 'of someone close to them in the last five years from an illness such as cancer, emphysema or motor neurone disease?' If the person answered 'no' then no further questions from the palliative care section were asked, and the interviewer moved to the next topic area.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It seemed as if everyone — waiters, busboys and, later, potential diners reading the menu posted outside the entrance — traded questions and anecdotes that night.

Los Angeles Times

Both now have a significant security presence and vehicles are searched at entrance checkpoints, so questions will likely be raised over how the assailants were able to penetrate the compounds with large explosive devices. .

Vice

There is also the question of entrances and exits.

The New York Times - Arts

Journalists were the first to approach the mosque entrance and were swiftly questioned and asked to leave by security.

The New Yorker

Mr. Trichet, 60, who entered the court through a side entrance and avoided answering questions from reporters, made his only comment on the charges two years ago, when he announced that he was under investigation and said that he had confidence in the French justice system.

The New York Times

The report's author, Neil Thurman, professor of journalism at LMU University of Munich, said: "Given the increasing costs of university education in the UK, especially when that education includes a master's degree, and the competitiveness of university entrance, the findings raise questions about the socio-economic diversity of the next generation of UK journalists".

The Guardian

The practicality of the gun ports facing the entrance has also been questioned, though an inventory of 1612 records that four brass cannons were placed here.

Wikipedia

UPDATE - On Monday, HuffPollster reported that the results of the Nevada Democratic caucus entrance poll were being questioned because they showed Sanders beating Clinton among Latinos, 53 percent to 45percentt.

Huffington Post

The scene at the airport was alarming, with doctors stationed at the entrances to answer questions and to keep an eye out for obviously sick people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entrance question" to describe an initial question that serves a specific purpose, such as gauging understanding or determining eligibility. This is especially useful in academic or professional settings where initial assessment is important.

Common error

Avoid using "entrance question" when a simpler term like "initial question" or "opening question" suffices. "Entrance question" implies a specific strategic purpose for the question beyond mere information gathering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entrance question" functions primarily as a compound noun. It describes a specific type of question designed to initiate an interaction or assess a participant's readiness, understanding, or eligibility. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in educational and survey contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entrance question" refers to an initial inquiry used to assess understanding or suitability. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears in both news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While grammatically correct, the phrase is relatively rare. When writing, consider the strategic purpose of your question – if it's merely introductory, simpler alternatives like "initial question" may suffice. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and provides contextual examples of this specific expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial inquiry

Focuses on the act of asking a question at the beginning.

qualifying question

Emphasizes the question's role in determining eligibility or suitability.

introductory question

Highlights the question's purpose of starting a conversation or assessment.

opening question

Stresses that the question is the first one asked.

preliminary question

Indicates the question comes before more in-depth inquiries.

screening question

Focuses on using the question to filter or evaluate candidates.

admission question

Relates specifically to questions asked for entry or acceptance.

access question

Highlights the question's role in granting or denying access.

gateway question

Implies the question serves as a gate to further stages.

entry-level question

Describes a question suitable for beginners or those new to a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "entrance question" in a sentence?

You can use "entrance question" to describe a question posed at the start of a process to assess knowledge or suitability. For example: "The professor began the seminar with an "entrance question" to gauge the students' understanding of the topic."

What's a good alternative to "entrance question"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "entrance question" include "initial question", "introductory question", or "qualifying question". The best choice depends on the question's specific purpose.

When is it appropriate to use the term "entrance question"?

The term "entrance question" is appropriate when the question serves as a gateway or filter, such as in an exam, survey, or initial assessment. It's less suitable for general, casual inquiries.

Is "entrance question" formal or informal language?

"Entrance question" leans towards formal usage, particularly in academic or professional contexts where assessment and evaluation are key. More informal settings might call for alternatives like "opening question".